Life After Losing an Adult Child to a Drug Overdose: A Kawa Perspective

Background: Limited research is available to occupational therapy practitioners focusing on parents’ abilities to cope with the loss of an adult child to a drug overdose. We examined the unique experiences of grieving parents from a Kawa model perspective to identify potential implications for occupational therapy. Methods: We used a qualitative approach in which 11 participants completed Kawa drawings and participated in semi-structured interviews. Results: Following a Kawa model analysis themes emerged: volatile nature of flow, support from inner circle and connection with outer circle, lonely islands, personal attributes of positivity and economics, and enhancing my river’s flow. Conclusion: The loss of an adult child to a drug overdose presents health care professionals with a unique set of grieving circumstances, including changes in life roles and abilities to participate in occupations, which can be challenging to address. As a result, this study suggests the Kawa model is an effective assessment tool that should be considered for use when working with those grieving the loss of a child to a drug overdose

Developing an Indigenous, Entry-Level Master’s Degree Program in a Country with an Emerging OT Profession

In the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago the full range of physical, mental, psychological, and socially derived problems of occupational engagement exist. Occupational therapy is often a part of the health care team to address these challenges; however, the profession is at an emergent stage in the country. This paper describes a process used for the development of an indigenous entry-level master’s degree program in occupational therapy. The process was also supported and enhanced by the collaborative relationships among key stakeholders, including global partners. A qualitative design process was used to analyze the health care needs, barriers, and strategies that impact the sustainability of the proposed program. This included 47 survey respondents, 10 semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. The findings led to the development of curricular threads that informed the curricular framework of the program. The curricular framework will safeguard the sustainability of the program and the clinical relevance of its content and methods relative to the community the graduates will serve. Systematic review of curricular design and program outcomes is needed to enhance the intended learning experience of the occupational therapy students

Occupational Therapy and Therapeutic Horticulture for Women with Cancer and Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study

Background: Chronic pain among individuals with cancer can adversely affect quality of life (QOL) and physical, social, and emotional functioning. Therapeutic horticulture has been shown to be effective for treating various medical conditions; however, the focus on cancer survivors with chronic pain is marginal. This study evaluated the effectiveness of therapeutic horticulture for women with cancer living with chronic pain. Method: A mixed methods experimental design was used to examine the impact of a 6-week therapeutic horticulture program with seven females with cancer who presented with chronic pain for longer than 3 months. Perception of pain, QOL, and functional fitness were examined using quantitative measures followed by interviews and focus group discussions to explore the subjective experience of the program. Results: Participation in the therapeutic horticulture program resulted in significant improvement in vitality (p = 0.018), lower body flexibility (p = 0.043), and agility and dynamic balance (p = 0.043). There were no significant changes in perception of pain. Four themes emerged from the qualitative data, illustrating the factors that contributed to the experience of the program. Conclusion: Therapeutic horticulture is potentially beneficial as an occupation-based intervention for individuals with cancer living with chronic pain to improve vitality, lower body flexibility, and agility

Are Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice Different Between the United States and Chinese Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Students?

Purpose: Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the best evidence from research, clinician expertise, and patient preferences and values to deliver the highest quality of care to improve patient outcomes. Occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and rehabilitation students gain exposure to EBP through both didactic and experiential learning. The differences in cultural, educational systems, and student learning styles between the United States and China may lead to different students’ perceptions and attitudes towards EBP. The purpose of the study was to characterize and compare the perceptions of and attitudes towards EBP between the U.S. and Chinese OT and PT students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the Evidence-Based Practice Process Assessment Scale (EBPPAS) was sent to professional students enrolled in Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programs at three universities in the U.S. (n=1,062) and OT, PT, and rehabilitation students of four-year bachelor programs at four universities in China (n=1,017). Students’ perception of the overall and individual domain of EBP was compared between the U.S. and China with independent samples t-test. Results: In general, all students showed a positive attitude towards EBP across the five domains. The U.S. DPT students had the highest mean score of 3.90 in the domain of “attitude about EBP” followed by the U.S. MOT students (mean=3.88), and the U.S. OTD students (mean=3.84). On average, the U.S. students scored 0.44 (13.8%) higher than Chinese students in all domains combined. Responses from both countries showed the highest scores in the domain of “attitude about EBP” followed by “familiarity with EBP” and “intention to engage in EBP”. In addition, the overall mean score increased non-significantly by 0.07 for the U.S. students from 1st year to 3rd year while it increased significantly by 0.15 (pnd year to 4th year. Conclusion: Few research studies have compared professional students’ attitudes towards EBP between the U.S. and China. This study demonstrated that the U.S. students were more positive overall and in all five domains. Future studies may focus on novice ways to promote EBP in didactic teaching and in clinical practice

Developing an Indigenous, Entry-Level Master’s Degree Program in a Country with an Emerging OT Profession

In the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago the full range of physical, mental, psychological, and socially derived problems of occupational engagement exist. Occupational therapy is often a part of the health care team to address these challenges; however, the profession is at an emergent stage in the country. This paper describes a process used for the development of an indigenous entry-level master’s degree program in occupational therapy. The process was also supported and enhanced by the collaborative relationships among key stakeholders, including global partners. A qualitative design process was used to analyze the health care needs, barriers, and strategies that impact the sustainability of the proposed program. This included 47 survey respondents, 10 semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. The findings led to the development of curricular threads that informed the curricular framework of the program. The curricular framework will safeguard the sustainability of the program and the clinical relevance of its content and methods relative to the community the graduates will serve. Systematic review of curricular design and program outcomes is needed to enhance the intended learning experience of the occupational therapy students

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, yet are one of the best options for mild to moderate CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, as it provides biomechanical support while allowing movement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of dorsal application of Kinesio tape on occupational performance as measured by pain and function in individuals with mild to moderate CTS, as compared with the accepted nonsurgical intervention of general cockup orthosis and lumbrical stretching exercises versus sham tape. STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Forty-four participants (68 wrists) with CTS were randomized to one of three interventions: Kinesio tape group, sham group, or standard protocol group. Each completed baseline and four subsequent measurements of numeric pain rating scale, visual analog scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), grip and pinch, with application of intervention every three days. Daily symptom journals were completed, standard protocol group recorded wearing schedule and exercises. RESULTS: In the forearm and wrist, a significant reduction in median numeric pain rating scale pain scores in Kinesio tape group was observed (r = 0.76, P = .01; r = 0.77, P = .01; respectively), but not in the standard protocol group (r = 0.51, P = .17; r = 0.53, P = .11) and sham group (r = 0.46, P = .30; r = 0.39, P = .43) with a minimal clinically important difference of 1.0. In the Kinesio tape group, the forearm (24%) and wrist (36%) reached the clinical significance as compared with the standard protocol forearm (18%) and wrist (32%). The minimal clinically important difference for pain reduction on the visual analog scale was 1.64. Kinesio tape and sham group had significant improvement in function, but not the standard protocol group. DISCUSSION: This study provides promising evidence for the use of Kinesio tape as a possible conservative intervention for management of symptoms in individuals with mild to moderate CTS. The study also illuminates new considerations of younger, active individuals reporting signs and symptoms of CTS as well as mechanism of effects on pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio tape provided additional improvement in pain and function as compared to the standard approach

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, yet are one of the best options for mild to moderate CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, as it provides biomechanical support while allowing movement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of dorsal application of Kinesio tape on occupational performance as measured by pain and function in individuals with mild to moderate CTS, as compared with the accepted nonsurgical intervention of general cockup orthosis and lumbrical stretching exercises versus sham tape. STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Forty-four participants (68 wrists) with CTS were randomized to one of three interventions: Kinesio tape group, sham group, or standard protocol group. Each completed baseline and four subsequent measurements of numeric pain rating scale, visual analog scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), grip and pinch, with application of intervention every three days. Daily symptom journals were completed, standard protocol group recorded wearing schedule and exercises. RESULTS: In the forearm and wrist, a significant reduction in median numeric pain rating scale pain scores in Kinesio tape group was observed (r = 0.76, P = .01; r = 0.77, P = .01; respectively), but not in the standard protocol group (r = 0.51, P = .17; r = 0.53, P = .11) and sham group (r = 0.46, P = .30; r = 0.39, P = .43) with a minimal clinically important difference of 1.0. In the Kinesio tape group, the forearm (24%) and wrist (36%) reached the clinical significance as compared with the standard protocol forearm (18%) and wrist (32%). The minimal clinically important difference for pain reduction on the visual analog scale was 1.64. Kinesio tape and sham group had significant improvement in function, but not the standard protocol group. DISCUSSION: This study provides promising evidence for the use of Kinesio tape as a possible conservative intervention for management of symptoms in individuals with mild to moderate CTS. The study also illuminates new considerations of younger, active individuals reporting signs and symptoms of CTS as well as mechanism of effects on pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio tape provided additional improvement in pain and function as compared to the standard approach

Intimate Partner Violence and OT: A Systematic Review

Abstract Date Presented 04/13/21 This mixed-methods systematic review explored the effectiveness of OT with adults who experienced intimate partner violence. Of 61 studies screened, 36 were removed, and 20 were further excluded with inclusion criteria. Five studies showed significant skill improvement in individuals who received OT interventions using a combination of individual and group sessions focused on instrumental activities of daily living, trauma symptom reduction, life skills, and mother–child relationships. Primary Author and Speaker: Heather Javaherian-Dysinger Additional Authors and Speakers: Shannon L. Scott Contributing Authors: Michelle Bradshaw</jats:p